Pink in color, a smooth wine, layered in caramel, missing real fruit. ——R.V.(11/1/2011)—— 83

The 2008 ROSE LELLO is a blend of is a blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca and Touriga Franca. It is crisp, light in the mid-palate and fairly penetrating, a dry and refreshing pink that is quite a nice value for the very modest price. It develops a bit more flavor as it warms up. It will show best as young as possible. Drink now. I have shortened the producer identification here as “Borges,” from “SOCIEDADE DOS VINHOS BORGES,” which conforms to the branding and labels now appearing on USA shores. The Lello, you should note, mostly just says “LELLO,” although if you look hard you can find “Borges.” The Grande Reserva and the Real Senhor Velha Reserva are not yet in the USA market. Quinta da Soalheira has been a Borges property since 1904.Importers for Quinta de Simaens, Quinta de Sao Simao da Aguieira and Quinta da Soalheira: Saraiva Enterprises, Inc., New Bedford, MA., tel: (508) 992-3364; Vintage Trading, Waterbury, CT., tel: (203) 926-0894; Importers for Lello and Meia Encosta: Saraiva Enterprises, Inc., New Bedford, MA., tel: (508) 992-3364; Vintage Trading, Waterbury, CT., tel: (203) 926-0894; Dionysus Imports, Inc., Lorton, VA., tel: (703) 550-2250; Vinum Importing, Redmond, WA.; tel. (206) 621-8843; American-Nordic Trading Co., Houston, TX; tel: (713) 691-9463; HGC Imports, San Jose, CA; tel: (408) 947-8511